Summary of UofI Admissions Scandal

Here is the rundown of the Scandal thus far:

• The Chicago Tribune breaks the story that the University of Illinois has seated unqualified (or less-than qualified) applicants based upon relations to ILL political connections, in particular to those connected to Rod Blagojevich. The case points to intervention including that of Joe White and Richard Herman.
  
• White denies that the list even exits. (First Lie)
  
• White later concedes that the list exists. He sends a statement where he makes audacious claims that include: this is common and acceptable (!!!) practice at other intuitions (namely the ones that he has previously administered-convenient). He also claims that the program is justified that because the list is small it is insignificant. Finally, despite being a belligerent opponent of removing favoritism and discrimination in admissions at UM and universally, he bizarre claims that he himself [emphasis added] believes applicants should be admitted solely on the basis of merit. (Second Lie)
  
• The Tribune posts emails of Richard Herman (who had denied being any part of the scheme) shown to be smoking gun evidence of blatant activism on behalf of under-qualified applicants by no less than the person occupying the office of the chancellor.
  
• he scandal sparks outrage by alumni, students and community members. Several state representatives call for investigation by legislatures into the roles that BOT members, White, Herman, and other had in the admissions of connections. The Tribune reports that White was involved with admitting relations of convicted Blago fundraiser crony, Tony Rezko.
  
• ILL representative Boland calls for White, et al. to resign.
  
• White calls for internal investigation. Quinn announces his own investigation. Quinn's council to investigate turns out to be a sham when it is revealed that his appointments include a former Clinton Administration counsel, members of race groups with tie to pro-affirmative action lobbying. Hardly a sounding repertoire for objective viewing of admission processes.
  
• White issues a statement calling for cooperation in the investigation and promises to offer whatever the panel requires. (Third Lie)
  
• The Tribune sues the White administration for the transcripts and supplementary data on the applicants concerned.
  
• The panel requests the same material for its investigation. White breaks his promise of cooperation and hides behind abuse of the FERPA act (something that occurs in other campuses).
  

As the observer can note, the admissions scandal is in itself despicable and telling of the way White has tyrannized the state through the UI. Yet, the scandal, whether it leads to criminal proceedings or not is only the larger aspect of far more visible and straight-forward wrong. The ethics of admissions aside, the mere fact that White (let us not forget Herman nor the BOT Blago toadies) has been dishonest to the public on at least three occasions since the scandal was publicized demonstrates res ipsa loquitur that he cannot be trusted to continue in his current title and public office (an office, which he has no democratic claim to, we might add).

We think that in ILL territory, that even the most bitter Cubs, Cardinals, and White Sox rivals can agree on "three strikes and you're out!"

Posted by Hound No. 6